Principal Estimator - Project Controls (Minneapolis)

What We're Looking For

Our HNTB Minnesota team is growing! We are seeking a dynamic, engaging leader to join our team as a Principal Project Controls, specializing in Estimating. This role will report directly to the Director of Project Controls and is an amazing opportunity to push your career to the next level by joining the team of one of HNTB's most dynamic and promising offices.

You’ll have opportunities that stretch beyond Minnesota working with clients all over the United States, as well as helping bring in work opportunities with MnDOT, Metro Transit and other MN clients. At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country.

In this role you will be responsible for providing technical consultation and direction in project controls functions including scheduling, estimating, cost control, risk management, document control and project management information systems. You will support the technical aspect of project development and delivery in your function area(s) and serve as a technical advisor and subject‑matter expert on complex projects. You will provide guidance and mentorship, and may lead and coordinate the work of project controls staff.

What You'll Do:

• May perform one or more of the following responsibilities based on applicable project controls functional area(s) including scheduling, estimating, cost control, risk management, document control and project management information systems.
• Prepares material, labor, and equipment cost estimates for concept designs, design development documents, bid documents and change orders.
• Develops conceptual estimates reflecting the potential budget of a project at a highly preliminary stage of design development and assists in the development of Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) to support the change management process for active projects.
• Assists in the creation, maintenance and control of budgets and schedules from design concept through project completion. Utilizes the detailed cost estimate to support and develop schedules reflective of the labor hours generated to input schedule activity durations and resource needs.
• Oversees and coordinates the creation of program/project management plans and procedures for several project controls activities.
• Participates in the review and assessment of the project team or contractor monthly progress schedule updates on active projects and provides advisory input to the project manager or client/owner of the proposed disposition of the progress schedule update.
• Develops cost forecasts and trends and analyzes accrual of actual costs. Evaluates and documents historical cost data to maintain current estimating standards and databases.
• Consults with the project team or client/owner related to potential claims, claims avoidance, and claims support.
• Prepares reports and performance dashboards for a variety of project controls metrics, analyzes data and creates and/or participates in client presentations.
• Develops and maintains project risk register. Escalates project risks and partners with the project team to create and propose mitigation plans.
• Recommends appropriate technology solutions to support the requirements of a program/project.
• Supports project controls technology and project management control systems (PMCS). May recommend technology solutions to meet the requirements of a program or project and assist in the implementation of an appropriate PMCS solution.
• May participate in negotiations on behalf of the client including providing support in price negotiations, contacting vendors to obtain quotes for materials and services, and leading change order negotiations as needed.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related field and 12 years’ relevant experience.
• In lieu of education, 16 years’ relevant experience OR 12 years’ relevant direct contractor experience.

What We Prefer:

• One or more of the following AACE certifications (or equivalent): PSP, EVP, CCP, CEP, DRMP.
• Project Controls experience in all phases of the project lifecycle (e.g., predesign, design, procurement, construction, and post‑construction phases).
• Project Controls experience working as a client’s PM/CM agent (e.g., providing program management/construction management services), or as part of a design‑build contractor (or equivalent design and construction experience).

Additional Information

Benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Locations: Minneapolis, MN

The approximate pay range for Minnesota is $154,170.89 - $246,272.98. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

Job Type: Regular Full/Part Time: Full time Job Category: Project Controls Group ReqID: R-28188

NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES: HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.